of such a large apiary in the middle of a dense urban area is puzzling because bees can become defensive, especially during routine beekeeping inspections or honey harvesting,” the researchers wrote. They speculated that maybe the honey was so valuable it was worth placing in such a congested area where it could be watched and kept safe.
In Praise of Honey
Honey is referenced in all the world’s most prominent religions. It always symbolizes richness and great wealth, usually provided through the goodness of God. Honey can be a reward or a gift, or simply a sign of prosperity and a sign of God’s blessing. Following are some examples.
Islam
The religious text of Islam called the Qur’an has an entire chapter titled al-Nahl (the Honey Bee). According to the words and deeds of the Prophet Muhammad, honey is strongly recommended for healing purposes. The Qur’an also promotes honey as a nutritious and healthy food.
Hinduism
Honey is one of the five foods used in Hindu worship. It is widely mentioned as an offering to God. It is described as one of the five sacred elixirs of immortality. The sacred religious texts known as the Vedas mention the use of honey as a great medicinal and health food as the food of the gods. Honey’s unique health attributes are common to all the major religions.
Judaism
The Torah describes the land of Israel as “flowing with milk and honey.” In the Jewish tradition, honey is a symbol for Rosh Hashana. At the traditional meal during this New Year holiday, apple slices are dipped in honey (the apples represent life, and honey represents sweetness — grant us a good and sweet new year).
Buddhism
The festival of Madhu Purnima commemorates Buddha’s making peace among his disciples by retreating into the wilderness. During this retreat, a monkey brought him honey to eat. On Madhu Purnima, Buddhists remember this act by giving honey to monks.
Christianity
The Bible contains 100 verses that reference honey. In the book of Judges, Samson found a swarm of bees and honey in the carcass of a lion (14:8). The book of Samuel includes, “See how my eyes have become bright because I tasted a little of this honey” (14:29). Plus, you can find 98 additional honey references!
Sikhism
There is a story of a prominent man who offered honey to the spiritual master, Guru Sahib. The guru refused the honey, stating that when he had needed it most, the man had refused to give it to him. When the man asked the guru for enlightenment, he pointed toward a poor Sikh who was hungry and had been denied honey by the same man. “Feeding the poor is feeding the guru,” he proclaimed.
Finding Honey in Literature and Folklore
You don’t have to look very hard to find honey referenced in popular culture. Throughout the ages, literature, folklore, mythology, and music have all praised honey in one way or another. The ancient Greeks considered honey sacred in addition to being nutritious. Greek artwork, poetry, and music celebrated honey and the bountiful honey bee.
The great Greek poet Homer referenced honey in several of his poems. The mythological Aristaios (son of Apollo) was a beekeeper, and he taught the Greeks how to maintain hives and harvest honey. For this reason, Aristaios became known as the patron god of beekeeping.
The ancient Romans valued honey, and like the Egyptians, used it to pay taxes. Because honey was rare and precious, it was a food only enjoyed by Romans who could afford it. Honey’s culinary use is well documented in a cookbook by a Roman gourmand named Marcus Gavius Apicius. Thought to be written in the first century AD, his book is commonly referred to as “Apicius.” Be sure to have a look at Chapters 15 and 16. Each contains an ancient Roman honey-inspired recipe. Hail Caesar!
Songs about honey (and honey bees) are plentiful. No big surprise, since “honey” has evolved into a term of endearment. In Chapter 19, I include a playlist of honey music you can groove to.
Hoodoo is an old spiritual practice — a mixture of African, Native American, and European Christian folklore. Honey plays an important role in some of the magic spells practiced by its followers. For example, here’s one you can try at home. To sweeten up someone’s feelings toward you, pour honey into a saucer and place it on a piece of paper containing the intended person’s name. Place a candle (beeswax, I assume) in the saucer and let it burn until it goes out on its own. Now, just sit back and wait for the phone to ring.
And who can forget the adorable Winnie the Pooh? That loveable bear had an unwavering love for “hunny.” And as Pooh said, “A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of honey left inside.” Thank you, A. A. Milne.
Honey Bees Come to America
The European honey bee that we see on the flowers in our gardens is not native to the Americas. The first hives of honey bees came to Virginia aboard a ship in the spring of 1622 (see Figure 1-6). The early European settlers made good use of the honey and the beeswax that the colonies produced. The colonists also brought with them specific plants for the bees to pollinate. More bee colonies arrived on ships in the following years, and swarms from these original hives proliferated as feral bee colonies were established. But it was not until 1853 that the honey bees made their way to the west coast. Today, the estimated number of “managed” beehives in America is approaching 3 million colonies. (See Chapter 6 for the top ten honey-producing states in America.)
Illustration by Howland Blackiston
FIGURE 1-6: The honey bee, so familiar in the Americas today, is not native to this part of the world. The first honey bees were brought to Virginia by the early colonists in 1622.
Honey Today: Celebrity Status
Have you noticed? Honey seems to be everywhere these days. Honey varietals occupy more and more space on grocery shelves. It’s the “all-natural” sweetener found in breakfast cereals and beverages; it’s the miraculous ingredient in cosmetics; it’s a featured “healing” product in health-food stores; it has found its way into the kitchens of the most elegant and refined restaurants. It’s a star on many menus, spotlighted for its healthy and sophisticated taste profiles, distinct varieties, and pairing opportunities. There’s no doubt that honey has gained the same “celebrity” status as fine cheeses, olive oils, and rare and expensive balsamic vinegars. Foodies and chefs alike realize that like great wine, honey can also be enjoyed by pairing it with fine foods and by bringing distinct flavors
